As part of the process to create an Economic Development Strategic Plan, Gorham residents were invited to an open house in town council chambers on the evening of Oct. 15 to share their thoughts, ideas, hopes, and concerns about Gorham’s economic future.

Over a dozen residents attended, and after signing in and being given sticky notes and colored dot stickers, participants were encouraged to provide their feedback at seven stations around the room, each with prompts or questions. In addition, residents are able to provide additional feedback thru an online survey, https://sprw.io/sttE3rWj. Some prompts included identifying assets and challenges for Gorham, rating five statements about business and culture in town, and choosing design features that would and would not suit the community.

Economic Development Director Kevin Jensen noted the importance of ensuring there is broad community engagement and ownership for the process, and the results, as it will guide Gorham’s economic goals and strategy in the future. To that end, the many steps toward an Economic Development Strategic Plan are being overseen by an appointed Steering Committee, composed of members of the planning board, town council, Gorham Economic Development Corporation, Gorham Village Alliance and three residents who are also local business owners. It was established by the Town Council in March 2023 and, in collaboration with the town’s Community Development Department, will present recommendations and a plan for economic growth and management to the Town Council for adoption.

To assist the committee with their task, an analysis and a comprehensive, tailored process was commissioned and approved by the Town Council in March 2024. Camoin Associates was selected to serve as consultants for the process from 7 submissions in response to a request for proposals. Camoin’s Senior Vice President Jim Damicis of Scarborough is the lead consultant on the project. Damicis explained that it is a data driven process, and the team includes experts in urban planning, economics, and public administration.

With over 25 years of national experience and multiple staff members located in Southern Maine, Camoin brings a depth of knowledge about Maine specific strengths and challenges, as well as an impressive resume of communities with whom they have worked previously, including Biddeford, North Yarmouth, and Freeport.

In preparing their analyses and subsequent report, the consultants ask questions such as, “What are the external market conditions? What’s driving some of the potential growth and potential opportunity? What kinds of sectors are thriving or missing? What kinds of stores or businesses might be successful?” and use data to find the answers. They also identify possible barriers and suggest options for healthy economic growth in the community. The final product, which will be presented to the Steering Committee, will include a roadmap for economic development that should inform the next five to ten years as well as serve as a key component of a new Comprehensive Plan for Gorham.

According to Damicis, “The economic plan can and will be a blueprint with recommendations based on best practices to meet the goals that have been stated through this process.” As part of the process for Gorham, his team has reviewed data, done market analyses, examined workforce projections, and is currently meeting with small groups from various business sectors to gather further information and perspectives. The Camoin team noted that one of the unplanned outcomes of the small group discussions was that participants made connections with one another and were networking and making plans for collaboration.